According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56 percent of these injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head. The risk of fireworks injury was two and a half times as high for children ages five to 14, than it was for the general population.

Illegal fireworks are frequently found to be the cause of brush and grass fires in Marion County. Anything that leaves the ground, explodes or shoots projectiles are illegal in Florida. Novelties, sparklers and trick noisemakers are legal, however, and include snake worms, smoke devices, party poppers and snappers among others.

Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters encourage residents to attend public fireworks displays organized by professionals this Fourth of July instead of setting off fireworks at home. If residents choose to stay at home, firefighters say they should follow these safety tips:

Purchase and use only legal fireworks.

Always have adult supervision while using fireworks.

Buy fireworks from reliable, licensed sellers with a proven reputation.

n Read and follow label directions, and use fireworks only for their intended purposes.

n Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose handy just in case an emergency arises.

n Light one firework at a time.

n Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

n Appoint a designated “shooter,” never mix alcohol and novelties.

n Never light fireworks indoors or in metal or glass containers.

n Wear eye protection and gloves when igniting novelties.

n Ignite sparklers and other legal fireworks outdoors on a flat, hard surface in an open area away from grass and other combustibles.

n Never allow children to use sparklers without adult supervision.

n Do not run while using sparklers.

n Soak used novelties in water for at least 15 minutes before throwing them away.

n Never experiment with or make homemade fireworks.

n Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone gets hurt or burned or if a fire erupts.

Remember, if illegal fireworks are the cause of a fire, a criminal charge may result.